Colosseum Tour with Arena & First and Second Floors

The Colosseum Tour with Arena & First and Second Floors offers an in-depth look at one of Italy’s most iconic landmarks. This 3-hour guided experience by Buonjorno Tours Ltd takes you on a journey through the heart of ancient Rome, starting with walks on the Arena Floor and continuing into the first and second levels of the Colosseum. The tour also includes a visit to the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill, providing a comprehensive glimpse into Rome’s historic center.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the skip-the-line access, which allows for a quick start without waiting in long queues. It is perfect for visitors eager to explore the most significant areas of the Colosseum with a knowledgeable guide. The limited group size of 20 ensures a more intimate experience, making it easier to absorb stories about gladiators, Roman architecture, and ancient politics. However, this tour does not include the Colosseum Undergrounds or the top levels beyond the second floor, which is worth considering if you’re seeking an even more extensive exploration.

Key Points

• Duration of 3 hours offers a detailed yet manageable visit to the Colosseum and surrounding sites.
• Skip-the-line entry helps avoid long waits, starting your exploration promptly.
• Walk on the Arena Floor, standing on the same sand where gladiators fought, is a unique feature.
• Guided tour with live commentary in English enhances understanding of Roman history and architecture.
• Limited group size of 20 ensures a more personal experience.
• The tour excludes underground and uppermost levels, focusing on the first and second floors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Colosseum Arena Floor: Walking in Gladiators’ Footsteps

The tour begins outside the Colosseum at Piazza del Colosseo where you’ll meet your guide. The first highlight is walking on the Arena Floor, also known as “the sand of the blood”, where ancient gladiators and wild animals once fought. This 30-minute guided walk gives a visceral sense of what the battles must have felt like, standing amidst the remnants of history’s most famous combat arena.

Access to the Arena Floor is exclusive to this tour, allowing visitors to experience it up close. The guide shares stories about gladiator fights, the construction of the Colosseum, and the symbolic significance of this space. This experience is especially memorable because it provides a tangible connection to the past, unlike viewing from above in typical visits.

Walking Through the Colosseum’s First and Second Levels

After the Arena Floor experience, the group proceeds inside the Colosseum’s first and second levels. The guided tour lasts about an hour and reveals the architectural marvels of this ancient amphitheater. Visitors can admire the intricate arches, vaulted corridors, and standing columns that supported the massive structure.

The guide explains how the Colosseum was built, its capacity, and how it was used for entertainment and political spectacle. The first level offers views of the seating areas and trapdoors, while the second level provides a broader perspective of the arena and the outer façade.

Exploring the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill

Following the Colosseum, the tour moves across the Roman Forum, the political and social hub of ancient Rome. Here, visitors walk among temples, meeting places, and triumphal arches that tell stories of Roman power and religious life.

The 30-minute guided walk covers key sites, including the Arch of Titus—a monument commemorating the Roman victory in Jerusalem—and the Temple of Saturn, once the treasury of ancient Rome. The Via Sacra, the main street of the Forum, is also part of the route, leading to Palatine Hill.

At Palatine Hill, the guide points out the ruins of imperial palaces and offers insight into Roman aristocracy and ruling families. The 30-minute visit here emphasizes the residential and political importance of this elevated area, which overlooks the Forum.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Group Size

The tour starts at Piazza del Colosseo, 23, with guides waiting by the lower level exit of the Colosseo metro station. They hold a sign saying “Tours of Rome” and stand next to the green kiosk, making it easy to find the group.

The group size is capped at 20 participants, ensuring that everyone gets personal attention and ample opportunity to ask questions. The skip-the-line entrance means visitors bypass long queues, starting their exploration without delay.

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Tour Itinerary Breakdown

The itinerary is carefully designed for a comprehensive experience:
– 30-minute walk on the Arena Floor
– 1-hour guided exploration of the Colosseum’s interior
– 30-minute tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill
– Short visits to Arch of Titus, Via Sacra, Arch of Septimius Severus, and Temple of Saturn
– The experience concludes back at Piazza del Colosseo

This structured schedule ensures that each major site receives appropriate attention, balancing history, architecture, and storytelling.

Access and Practical Considerations

Participants should bring their passports or IDs—including copies—since these are required for entry. The tour does not allow large luggage or bags, so travel light. Weather can impact the visit: the Arena Floor may be closed in cases of ice or heavy rain, so flexibility might be needed.

The tour excludes access to the Colosseum Undergrounds and the third, fourth, and fifth levels, which are not part of this experience. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, a factor to consider for those with mobility challenges.

Guide and Language

The live guide provides commentary in English, sharing stories, facts, and insights about the site. The guide’s explanations help bring the ancient stones and ruins to life, making history accessible and engaging.

Pricing and Booking Flexibility

This tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, providing flexibility for changing plans. Visitors can reserve now and pay later, making it easier to plan their trip without immediate commitment.

Exploring the Rich Context of Ancient Rome

The Roman Forum and Palatine Hill are essential parts of understanding Roman civilization. The guide highlights the political, religious, and social functions of these areas, emphasizing their importance throughout Roman history. Walking among the temples, arches, and ruins helps visualize how Rome developed from a collection of settlements into a vast empire.

The Arch of Titus and Arch of Septimius Severus serve as monuments of victory and power, while Temple of Saturn reflects the religious practices of ancient Romans. The Via Sacra was the main route for triumphal processions and parades, adding to the sense of historical authenticity.

The Unique Experience of Walking on the Arena Floor

The highlight of this tour remains walking on the Arena Floor, which is rarely accessible in standard visits. Standing on the same sands where gladiators battled, visitors can imagine the drama and brutality of ancient entertainment. The guide shares stories about famous gladiators and the construction of the arena, enriching the experience.

This feature makes the tour ideal for those eager to connect physically with history rather than just observing from a distance.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour provides a rundown, it does not include access to the Colosseum Undergrounds or the uppermost levels beyond the second floor. For visitors seeking a more extensive exploration, other tours may be necessary.

The pace of the tour is designed to balance detailed storytelling and sightseeing, but it may feel tight for those wanting a more relaxed experience. The weather conditions can also affect access, especially to the Arena Floor.

Who Will Most Appreciate This Tour?

This guided experience is perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and anyone interested in Roman civilization. The walk on the Arena Floor and access to off-limits areas make it especially appealing for visitors wanting a more immersive visit.

It is best suited for those who prefer small groups and professional guides who can answer questions in detail. Travelers who want to skip lines and maximize their time at the Colosseum will find this tour particularly valuable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children should bring their passports or IDs as required, but note that the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I bring for the tour?
Participants need to carry passport or ID (or copies). Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

Can I visit the Colosseum Undergrounds on this tour?
No, this tour does not include access to the underground areas.

What levels of the Colosseum are included?
The tour covers the first and second floors but excludes the third, fourth, and fifth levels.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is 3 hours, including guided walks and site visits.

Where do I meet the guide?
The meeting point is Piazza del Colosseo, 23, by the lower level exit of the Colosseo metro station.

Is the tour available in other languages?
The live commentary is provided in English only.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 20 participants for a more personalized experience.

What if the Arena Floor is closed?
The Arena Floor may be closed in cases of ice or heavy rain, but the rest of the tour proceeds as planned.

How much does the tour cost?
The specific price is not provided, but booking can be done with flexibility to pay later.

This Colosseum Tour with Arena & First and Second Floors offers a balanced mix of history, architecture, and storytelling, ideal for visitors eager to see the highlights of ancient Rome in a compact and engaging format. The skip-the-line access and small groups make it a practical choice for maximizing your time and understanding of this historic site.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby